Effect of High Blood Pressure and Antihypertensive Treatment on Brain Functioning in Children

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects up to 10% of minority children and adolescents. Although complications of high blood pressure, such as stroke and heart attack, are uncommon in childhood, high blood pressure-related organ damage can occur at a young age. Studies with young adults have indicated that high blood pressure can affect the central nervous system, resulting in deficits in brain function. However, more research is necessary to confirm the association between neurocognitive deficits and high blood pressure in children and to determine if these deficits are reversible with treatment. This study will determine whether high blood pressure in children and adolescents has subtle effects on learning, attention, and concentration. The study will also determine the effect of an antihypertensive treatment plan, involving a combination of diet, weight loss, increased exercise, and if needed, blood pressure medication, on brain function in children and adolescents receiving treatment for high blood pressure.